How is the organization funded?
The Programme is funded by company sponsorships (UBS in this instance) and by intern participation fees.  Mountbatten receives no outside funding and operates as a not-for-profit organization.

What is the Participation Fee for?
It contributes to tuition for the Certificate in International Business Practice, plus advice and support of staff in our Bangkok and London offices.

How many internship programs does Mountbatten run?
Two.  One in New York City and one in London.  Both last for twelve (12) full months.  Mountbatten only deals with its own programs - it has no links with other programs of any kind.  Mountbatten does not operate short internships, such as summer internships, or internships suitable for graduation requirements.

What are the nationality requirements?
For our UBS London Programme, you must be an Indian citizen, permanent resident in India - there are no exceptions.

What are the language requirements?
Our programs are not designed for people who wish to learn English.  Your spoken and written English should already be of a sufficiently high standard to allow you to start work immediately in a London office environment.

How competitive is the application process?
This is difficult to estimate.  The London Programme has grown steadily over the past five years.  For March 2007, the Mountbatten/UBS programme is a pilot project, and we are hoping to place approximately 10 successful candidates.  You will be working in a different culture, perhaps outside your familiar comfort zone both personally and professionally.  This may test your patience, your competence or your resolve.  Successful applicants will be those who are flexible, enthusiastic, positive, and have the stamina to succeed in a challenging program.

I have reference letters from past employers and professors.  Do I have to have them fill out your reference sheet?
Yes.  All of your referees must fill out our form.  They are welcome to include letters, however.

My references were sent before I sent in my papers or finished my application.  Will this be a problem?
No.

Can I get a part-time job to supplement my income?
No, the work permit provided does not allow this; it would be illegal to accept such work.

Is the allowance enough to live on?
Yes, if you budget carefully.  However London is an expensive city to live in.  Transportation to work is typically about £60 a month.  (See Living in London)

Am I responsible for finding my own accommodation?
No.  (See Living in London)

Do I have to interview with the Mountbatten Institute in person?
Yes.  There are no exceptions.  Interviews will be conducted in Mumbai and Bangalore.  The interview lasts about 1 - 2 hours and you will be expected to present yourself professionally.

May I contact some former interns?
Yes - but since the program is new and there are only a few graduates, for their sake we ask you to wait until after you have been accepted (but not yet placed) into the program.  Meanwhile, please e-mail or call our office with questions.

What if I only want to work at UBS in London and have no interest in getting the Business Certificate?
Then you should not apply.  The Mountbatten Internship Programme places great importance on personal growth, international experience, and business education.  The Certificate is part of a structured program that strives to give interns this well rounded experience.

Is the allowance amount adjustable depending on experience or education?
No.  Companies that sponsor interns do so under the condition that they pay a set fee to the Mountbatten Institute, regardless of an intern's experience, college degree, etc.

Can I stay in the United Kingdom for longer than the year?
No.  The terms and conditions of the visa specifically obligate you to leave the United Kingdom upon the termination of your internship or after twelve (12) months, whichever is the sooner.  You may come for a visit or to study, but not to work.

What will I need to bring with me to London?
Whatever personal items you would normally need in a new furnished apartment.

How soon after I arrive in London will I begin work?
We would like everyone to arrive on the same day at Heathrow Airport in order for someone to meet you at the airport and coordinate transportation to your hotel.  You will have a few days for orientation and to move into your permanent accommodation (see Living in London).  In order to start your allowance you will need to begin work about a week after your arrival in London.

How much money should I bring?
We recommend you bring at least £600 to hold you over until your first paycheck.

How many vacation days do I get?
Twenty-five (25) days as well as eight (8) national holidays (called Bank Holidays in the UK).

Can work placements end prematurely?
Contractually, your sponsor company (UBS) can dismiss you with or without cause.  Equally, the Mountbatten Institute can withdraw you from an internship that in our opinion is counterproductive.  Our policy for such issues, on either party's side, is to step in and do what we can to resolve matters.  In our management and resolution of these cases we have to keep both the interests of the intern and the long term goals of the Programme in mind.  Thus (except in extreme cases) we try to give the sponsor (or the intern as the case may be) a chance to correct or improve matters and we expect the intern to comply with this policy.  However if, in the opinion of UBS, the intern's work or aptitute is not equal to the demands of the placement then the scholarship will be cancelled and the intern will be required to return home.

What support would I get with job opportunities in India following the Programme?
On conclusion of your internship all participants in this programme will be referred to the Mountbatten Institute's international recruitment organization that can provide assistance in your search for a professional placement with a BPO organisation affiliated to UBS in India.